6-Ingredient Persian-Inspired Citrus and Mint Barley Salad

So refreshing you won't even need to turn on the AC.

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This salad calls for adwiya, which is a combination of spices and rose petals, commonly used in Persian cuisine. When added to plain butternut squash, citrus and mint, you get a flavor that is bright, fruity, and floral. This 6-ingredient grain salad on top of a bed of fresh greens makes weeknight summer dinners a snap.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Persian-Inspired Barley Salad

Prep Time:15 minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes

Total Time:30 minutes

Servings:4

Easy

Ingredients

2 cup diced butternut squash

1 tablespoon Persian adwiya spice

1 orange

1 8.8 oz bag of dried barley

3 tablespoon coarsely chopped mint

1 teaspoon orange zest

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450˚F. While the oven preheats, toss the diced butternut squash with the adwiya on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until fork tender.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Step 2

Bring two cups of water to a boil. Add the barley, stirring occasionally. Cook until the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Step 3

Reserve 1 teaspoon of zest before segmenting your orange. Add orange segments and zest to a large bowl.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Step 4

Coarsely chop the mint, adding it to the bowl.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Step 5

Finally, stir in the cooked butternut squash and barley. Can be served immediately, or chilled in the refrigerator for up to a week.